Colleges & Schools

Doctor of Ministry

12.01.2015

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Ministry degree is to enhance the multi-cultural ministry practice of persons who hold an MDiv (or its educational equivalent), and who have engaged in substantial ministerial leadership. The program combines theory and pastoral practice, and integrates theological and social science while promoting excellence in ministry. The DMin program enhances competencies in pastoral theology, pastoral analysis and ministerial skills; integrates these competencies into a theologically reflective practice of ministry; accesses and explores new areas in the practice of ministry; promotes continued growth toward spiritual maturity; and establishes a personal and professional ethic with focused study on ethical standards and mature conduct in the profession. Finally, the Doctor of Ministry degree advances the general practice of ministry as well as expertise in specialized areas of ministerial practice, such as pastoral care, preaching, missions, leadership, organizational administration, and multicultural ministries.

Objectives

Participants in the program will

integrate theological reflection with ministerial knowledge in order to analyze and assess the suitability of solutions to ministry issues and problems, using theological resources and appropriate social science research to develop these solutions.

increase their theological reflection, systematic thinking and reflective practice skills in order to implement the philosophy and goals of their present ministry; and demonstrate higher effectiveness in developing the ministerial growth of church and congregations in relation to worship, preaching, fellowship, discipleship, compassion and care, education, and service

develop an increased awareness of the impact of multiple cultures on society, and of the responsibility of the church for public witness, social justice engagement, and evangelism; and demonstrate flexibility in advanced ministerial leadership, as well as the ability to conduct a spiritually- and organizationally-apt practice of the theology of the laity.

Concentration

The degree program has been organized into three concentrations, in order to effectively and systematically pursue its educational goals and objectives.

This concentration focuses on the theology of ministry and on sharpening specific ministry skills in key areas. With a concentration in Theology of Ministry, pastors and ministry leaders are given the opportunity to clarify the philosophy, Concentration 1: Theology of Ministry Studies nature and values of ministry.

Concentration 2: Church & Congregation Ministerial Development This is a practical concentration, focusing on students’ personal ministry development in such areas as worship, preaching, fellowship, discipleship, compassion and care, education, small groups, children, Christian education, counseling, stewardship, music and worship, teaching, youth, ministry to women and service.

Concentration 3: Multicultural Studies for Evangelism This concentration provides advanced training in the practice of multicultural ministry by analyzing and contextualizing culture and society and empowering believers to effectively communicate the gospel to a pluralistic society by public engagement.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Doctor of Ministry program, students will be able to:

students learn to integrate theological reflection with knowledge of the practice of ministry to assess the suitability of various solutions to a ministry problem.

students will gain knowledge of ministry development, personal leadership styles, and the art of spiritual leadership, and learn how to apply this knowledge in ministry practice.

students are familiar with implementing a reasonable solution to a ministry problem with analysis on multicultural aspects for evangelism.

Educational Assessment

GCU provides assessments for prospective Doctor of Ministry students. These assessments are intended to give the DMin program a clearer sense of the ability of the student to perform doctoral level work, and to develop prospective students’ understanding of their own personal and professional strengths and areas of vulnerability, as well as their learning and leadership styles. This assessment also assists prospective students in thinking through their personal vision for ministry and how this vision will be enriched through the Doctor of Ministry program.
DMin assessment focuses on three areas:

Integrate theological reflection with knowledge of the practice of ministry

gain knowledge of ministry development

implementing a reasonable solution to a ministry problem

Students will be given an electronic survey when the assignments are due in their class evaluating the learning experience of that class.
Students will complete a survey annually (annual program assessment) providing feedback on their learning experience thus far in the DMin program.
After students successfully defend your project, they will be asked to complete an electronic exit survey (ATS GSQ).

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the program must have a Bachelor of Arts degree and the Graduate level degree from an accredited college or university. No exceptions can be made to this requirement. Applicants must have completed a Master of Divinity degree or its equivalent at an accredited institution. Other two-year master's programs may be considered, but the applicant must complete the required Master of Divinity courses to enter the DMin program. Applicants must have maintained an average of 3.3 (on a standard 4-point scale) in their Master of Divinity work.
Applicants must demonstrate to the Doctor of Ministry Program Committee that they have sustained a sound moral and religious character in campus life.
Field experience: Applicants for the DMin program must have a minimum of three years of full-time ministry experience at a church or similar organization subsequent to receiving a MDiv degree, and must have demonstrated excellent professional performance. Any exceptions must be approved by the DMin Program Committee.
Applicants must submit two recommendation letters, one from a pastor and one from a professor.
Applicants must submit a two-to-three-page Statement of Academic Purpose, in which they describe their goals and their reasons for desiring a DMin degree.

The curriculum is available in the catalog on page 239, you can download it here